Britain’s government has backed a tortured effort to build a third runway at Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, throwing its weight behind a decades-old proposal that has been beset by political, legal and environmental challenges.

It is the rich and the corporations who will take the lion’s share of the benefits from Labour’s and all airport expansions, while the poorest around the world pay the costs.

In the historic west London village of Harmondsworth, Justine Bayley pointed to where Heathrow Airport’s new boundary would likely

Rachel Reeves is facing fierce opposition within Labour over her plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

What could a third runway at Heathrow mean for tourism and the climate? Whatever the outcome, it’s still a long way away from happening.

Rachel Reeves confirmed plans for a third runway at London Heathrow Airport this morning, (Wednesday, January 29). The ambitious project has been backed by the airport itself, claiming it is the 'bold, responsible vision the UK needs to thrive in the 21st century'.

Officials say Dubai International Airport saw a record 92.3 million passengers pass through its terminals in 2024.

A Conservative shadow minister warned the UK could "fall further behind" on growth targets following the Chancellor's "desperate" attempts to save the economy.

Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: "The Chancellor has laid down a clear marker on her intent to push for growth and these proposals can light the blue touchpaper to fire up the UK economy.

To justify air travel emissions ballooning in the meantime, the aviation sector has promised a mix of “supply-side” measures, like replacing kerosene with so-called “sustainable aviation fuel” (SAF), which Reeves described as “a game changer”, and making planes lighter and more fuel-efficient.

Labour’s airport plan admits economic growth trumps carbon piety.